Happy Thursday. We are at the halfway point of February. Time flies when we're having fun, amirite? It's a busy day in politics. Here's what's happening: - A New York judge refused to toss former President Trump's hush money charges — and set the trial date for March 25. This is a big deal.
- The Hill's Alexander Bolton sat down with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to chat about the Ukraine funding bill. It was pretty interesting.
- Disgraced ex-Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) reportedly texted a group of his former colleagues after his seat flipped to Democratic control. Keep reading for the screenshot.
I'm Cate Martel with a quick recap of the morning and what's coming up. Send tips, commentary, feedback and cookie recipes to cmartel@thehill.com. Did someone forward this newsletter to you? Sign up here. |
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Did you get your save the date for March 25?: |
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Former President Trump has not one, but two high-stakes courtroom hearings today in his pending criminal cases. |
➤ THE MAJOR NEWS THIS MORNING: |
A judge in New York ruled this morning that former President Trump's hush money case will begin on March 25, rejecting Trump's bid to toss out the charges. Judge Juan Merchan expects the case to last six weeks. Notable about the timeline: This timing means a verdict is possible before the Republican National Convention in July and the general election in November. Some context to the significance: This will be the first criminal trial for a former president. More on the March 25 trial date and what this means for the election |
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➤ WHAT'S HAPPENING WHERE?: |
🍎 In New York: Trump is in New York for a hearing on whether to toss the hush money charges. 🍑 In Georgia : Trump and some of his co-defendants' lawyers are trying to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) over an alleged affair with a top prosecutor. 💻 Livestream of the Georgia courtroom |
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➤ SIGHTS, SOUNDS AND EXPLAINERS: |
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Penny for your thoughts, Mitch?: |
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) sat down with The Hill's Alexander Bolton for an interview and before taking any questions, he launched into talking about Ukraine. McConnell on the Senate's Ukraine aid vote: "We got about five more [Republican votes] than we thought we were going to get … Trump was making some calls. It's funny to be glad you get 22, but I've been on the short end of some of these other things, and 22 seemed like a landslide." Interesting tidbit: "Asked whether more Republican senators wanted to support the bill as a matter of sound policy but didn't want to risk the political backlash of voting crosswise with Trump and parts of the GOP base, McConnell just smiled and replied: 'Of course.'" More from Bolton's interview with McConnell |
House Democrats have a job opening:
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Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) announced that he will step down as assistant leader, opening a spot for House Democrats' leadership team. Why? : Clyburn, 83, did not say, but he emphasized that he is *not* retiring from Congress and plans to run for reelection. Keep in mind: Clyburn served in leadership just below Reps. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), who also stepped down from leadership last year. (The Hill) |
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➤ *STARES BLANKLY AT THE PAGE* — IS THIS AN SAT QUESTION …?: |
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Democrats are feeling energized after they flipped ex-Rep. George Santos 's (R-N.Y.) House seat to Representative-elect Tom Suozzi, a Democrat. Why? — There are two reasons: The first is that it narrows Republicans' House majority. The second is that it gives Democrats optimism for November. This district voted for Biden in 2020 but elected a Republican representative in 2022. Democrats really needed a win, any win!: President Biden has low approval ratings, and his administration is fending off special counsel Robert Hur's report that referred to Biden as an "elderly man with a poor memory.' Read more — 'Democrats get jolt of political momentum from Suozzi win' |
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➤ TIDBIT GEORGE SANTOS STARTED A GROUP CHAT: |
Semafor's Kadia Goba posted that expelled former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) is on a "revenge tour" after a Democrat won his seat in Tuesday's special election. He reportedly sent a text message to his ex-Republican colleagues, calling them "f---ing idiots." Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.) reportedly responded, "Sorry new phone, who dis?" 📱 Screenshot of the group chat |
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The Washington Post's editorial board writes, "How Tom Suozzi Won the Border Debate to Retake a House Seat." The gist : "The Democrat supported the Senate migrant bill and won in suburban New York." Read the op-ed |
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One person was killed and at least 20 people, including children, were injured when gunfire broke out at the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl parade Wednesday. What we know : Three people have been detained in connection with the shooting, but no suspects have been publicly identified. The FBI is asking for videos and tips for the investigation. The victim who died: Lisa Lopez-Galvan, who co-hosted a local radio show, died, according to her family. (NBC News) Timing : "The shooting came on the sixth anniversary of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., that killed 17 people and injured 17 more, the deadliest shooting at a high school in U.S. history." Lawmakers lament the shooting Reactions from the Chiefs team and players: WDAF-TV 'Hero Dad Who Tackled a Suspect in Chiefs Parade Shooting Speaks Out: I Heard "Get Him"': People |
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🍬 Celebrate: Today is National Gumdrop Day! 🎙️ This wouldn't be my strategy to stay out of the public spotlight: Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, is launching a new podcast. Details |
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The House is in. The Senate is out. President Biden is in Washington, D.C., and Vice President Harris is in Munich. (all times Eastern) |
- 1 p.m.: White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre briefs reporters. 💻 Livestream
- 1:30 p.m.: First and last House votes. 🗓️ Today's agenda
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